Protective covering for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A protective cover for electronic devices. A device is examined and a film is prepared. The film may include multiple pieces and may have cutouts for discontinuities in the surfaces of the device or to accommodate a user interface. The corners or other portions of the films are then cut such that the films substantially cover the surface of the device without bunching or creating air pockets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/778,339 entitled PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE andfiled Mar. 2, 2006, which application is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective coverings. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methodsfor covering or shielding electronic devices with thin films includingplastic films.

2. The Relevant Technology

Advances in many technology areas have resulted in a proliferation ofelectronic devices. Many of these devices are portable in nature.Cellular telephones, digital music (e.g., MP3) players, personal digitalassistants, satellite radios, laptop computers and portablevideo/picture players, are examples of electronic devices in use today.

Many of these devices have multiple functions. Some cell phones, forexample, are also capable of storing and playing digital music. Somedigital music players also have the ability to store digital picturesand video. Many devices also provide their users with various programssuch as calendaring applications, email applications, and wordprocessing applications. The increasing versatility and functionality ofelectronic devices has only led to further reliance on these devices.

The size, versatility, and portability of these devices providessignificant advantages. At the same time, and because these devices areelectronic in nature, there are some inherent weaknesses that aredifficult to overcome. For example, many of these devices have screensthat can be scratched or damaged. Often, this type of damage can occurduring normal use of the device. Few people enjoy looking at a scratchedor damaged screen for many reasons. First of all, a scratched screen isnot pleasant to view. In addition, the scratch or damage may actuallyinterfere with the ability of a user to see the displayed images ortext. In general, a scratched or damaged screen diminishes the use andvalue of the device to the user. It is also possible for the body orhousing of the device to become damaged or otherwise scratched duringuse and many users want their devices to retain their original look andfeel as long as possible.

Because these devices are used frequently, it is likely that they willbe dropped, banged against other objects, and receive other types ofabuse, whether deliberate or accidental. In fact, most of the abuse thatthese devices receive is unintentional. Nonetheless, the damage thesedevices receive over time can diminish their value and reduce theirusability. In particular, a scratched screen is unsightly, may interferewith the user's visual experience (pictures and videos may be hard towatch, text may be hard to read, etc.).

When a device is initially purchased, the screen is often covered by apiece of plastic that has a static adherence to the device. Thiscovering is only meant to provide protection during shipping and issupposed to be removed. It is easily removed and typically includes atab specifically for removal.

There are some existing screen coverings or protective shields in usetoday. However, the protection afforded by these screens is temporaryand the protection provided is limited for several reasons. For example,conventional screen coverings wear out rather quickly and need to bereplaced often. This is expected and these types of coverings are oftensold in groups. Some of these coverings do not adhere to the screen, butslip into place and are held loosely over the screen.

Conventional screen coverings themselves are subject to scratches andthe like as well. One significant drawback of some conventionalcoverings is that they begin to separate from the device at the cornersand become deformed. As the edges begin to fray or become separated fromthe device, the appearance bothers the user and the cover is usuallyremoved. In addition, conventional screen coverings are unable toprotect the entire device and are typically limited to the screen of anelectronic device. There is therefore a need to protect electronicdevices including screens of electronic devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other limitations are overcome by embodiments of the inventionwhich relate to systems and methods for protecting devices. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the invention relate to body coversincluding plastic films that adhere to surfaces of a device for whichprotection is desired. The film for a device is typically transparent orclear and, once applied, is substantially unnoticeable. Further, thefilm may adhere naturally to surfaces of a device, or adhere using anadhesive. The adhesive may adhere to the device or may include pressurebonding and/or temperature bonding in some instances. Embodiments of theinvention further contemplate a solution that is used during theapplication process to ensure that the film properly adheres to thedevice. The solution can be applied to the adhesive on the film and thispermits the film to be properly positioned on the device prior to fulladhesion of the film to the device. The solution may also make it easierto remove air bubbles from underneath the film.

A body cover is one embodiment of a film that is used to protect morethan a screen of a device. A body cover protects other surfaces and/oraspects of the device. A body cover ensures that the original look ofthe device is protected. Further, the body cover is typically configuredto lay flat against the surface of the device including surfaces such ascurves, sloping surfaces, edges, discontinuities and the like orcombinations thereof

In one embodiment, a body cover can include multiple films. For example,a first film may cover a first surface of a device such as the frontsurface. A second film of the body cover may protect a second surface ofthe device such as the back and/or the sides. Further, the first orsecond films may be configured (such as by cutting or with slits/cuts)that enable the film to lay flat against the surface of the device byaccounting for surfaces that are not flat (e.g., corners, slopingsurfaces, edges including rounded edges, lips, and the like). Also, thefirst or second film may be designed to allow for ports or other aspectsof the device that may be used for other purposes such as communicationwith another device.

A body cover or a single film may also have cutout areas that ensurethat the film does not impede some functionality of the device and thatdoes not reduce the effectiveness of the body cover. For example, a userinterface on a device that is capable of movement (e.g., rotation,depression) may correspond to a cut out area. If the movable userinterface were covered with a single film along with other surfaces ofthe device, then use of the user interface may be degraded and may causethe film to separate from the surface or make it difficult to use theuser interface. At the same time, a body cover may also include aseparate film for the user interface, thereby avoiding these problemswhile providing protection to the user interface or other aspect of thedevice and without interfering with operation of the user interface orother aspect of the device.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic devicethat includes a screen and a user interface;

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary covers that include multiple films that arefixed to an electronic device;

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary films with cutout areas as well as beingconfigured for discontinuities in the surface of a device;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of films where the corners of thefilm include cuts to ensure that the films lay flat against the surfaceof the protected device;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a body cover for an electronicdevice;

FIG. 6 illustrates aspects of an exemplary film;

FIG. 7 illustrates a body cover for a device; and

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a body cover for an electronicdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention relate to protective coverings and moreparticularly, to thin film or plastic coverings or shields forelectronic devices including portable electronic devices. Embodiments ofthe invention relate to protective coverings for the screens ofelectronic devices. Other embodiments of the invention provideprotection to other surfaces of the various devices that may include thescreen or display of the device. Embodiments of the invention thereforerelate to device protectors (also referred to herein as covers, shields,body covers or body shields) that may include more than one film inaddition to films that protect screens. A body cover may include one ormore separate films that are configured to protect the outer surfaces ofthe device, which may include the screen.

Because the surfaces of the bodies or the housings of electronic devicesare not flat, but may have corners, sides, edges, bulges, protrusions,depressions, discontinuities, lips, shelves, etc., embodiments of theinvention are configured such that the film does not bunch or wrinkle.This can be achieved by selectively cutting the film or by dividing thebody covering into multiple pieces. For example, the film for a batterycover may be separate from other films of a body cover for othersurfaces of the device. This ensures that the surface of the batterycover is protected without interfering with the operation of the device.

When the films of a body cover are properly applied to various surfacesof a device, the films are preferably smooth and flat against thevarious surfaces of the device and are substantially free of airbubbles, which may become trapped between the film and the surface ofthe device. For example, if a flat and substantially rectangular film isapplied to a corner of a device, the film will bunch and not lay flat onthe surfaces of the device. In addition to being unsightly, bunchingand/or air pockets may adversely cause the film to separate from thedevice and bother the user. Further, the film is susceptible to peelingaway from the device surface wherever bunching occurs. Embodiments ofthe invention eliminate these problems.

Embodiments of the invention include films that are cut or formed suchthat the surfaces of the device are substantially covered withoutbunching and substantially without creating air pockets. The cuts madeto the various films included in a body cover for a device areconfigured to account for curved surfaces in addition to corners, edges,depressions, bulges, and the like or any combination thereof In someembodiments, the film can wrap around edges or corners without bunchingor creating air pockets or bubbles. The film may be cut, for example, ifa particular edge of a device is not straight or is curved. Such a cutmay be used when a portion of the surface can be viewed as a ramp in oneembodiment. Alternatively, the film may be separated into multiplepieces that can be applied separately to the device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device and is intended to berepresentative of other devices. The device 100 represents, by way ofexample and not limitation, cellular telephones, digital music players,audio recorders, laptop computers, personal digital assistants,satellite radios, watches, GPS devices, bike computers, digital cameras,heart rate monitors, portable DVD players, dive computers, and the likeor any combination thereof Embodiments of the invention are further notlimited to electrical devices, but can also protect other devices thatmay or may not have screens or displays.

The device 100 typically includes a screen 102, although some devicesmay not include a screen. Embodiments of the invention can protect ascreenless device as well. In this example, the screen 102 may be flushwith a top surface of the device 100 or may be inset with respect to thetop surface of the device 100. The relative position of the screen withrespect to the corresponding surface may have an impact on how theprotective cover is prepared for application on the device 100. Ingeneral, embodiments of the invention can be adapted for devices thathave surfaces with discontinuities (such as the boundaries between aninset screen and the corresponding surface of the device or betweenbuttons and the corresponding surface of the device). Typically, thediscontinuities are accounted for by forming cutout areas in the filmsof the body cover. This ensures that each film can lay flat against aportion of a surface and also ensures that the functionality of thedevice corresponding to the cutout area is not impaired. Further, aseparate film may be used to protect the area of the devicecorresponding to the cut out area. The cutout portion may be used toprotect the corresponding surface area. In one embodiment, the cutoutfilm may be used on a cut out area.

By using multiple films in a body cover, protection is achieved for eachcovered surface without interfering with operation of the device. Forinstance, using a separate film for a user interface that moves ensuresthat the film moves with the user interface without affecting the filmapplied to the other surfaces of the device.

The device 100 also includes surfaces or sides 106 and 108 and othersides not shown. The device also has a front side/surface and backside/surface. In this example, the side 106 has ports 110. The ports 110enable the device 100 to connect to another device. For instance, thedevice 100 may be rechargeable and connects to an external power supplyfor recharging through one of the ports 110. Alternatively, the ports110 or one of the ports may enable the device to exchange data withanother device such as a host computer. One of skill in the art canappreciate that the form factors for electronic devices can widely vary.With the benefit of the teachings contained herein, one of skill in theart can prepare and apply a protective cover to any electronic device.

The device 100 also includes a user interface 104. Often, the userinterface 104 and the screen 102 work together to enable a user to usethe device. In the case of a digital music player, for example, the userinterface 104 can be used to select a particular song or playlist andthe screen 102 can visually reflect the actions of the user. The devicemay also display album art or other images on the screen 102 duringplayback of the selected song or playlist.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a protective cover or of a bodycover that includes one or more films for an electronic device such asthe device 100 in FIG. 1. The protective cover illustrated in FIG. 2includes two separate films in this example. As discussed below,however, a body cover may include a single film. FIG. 2 furtherillustrates different configurations of the films of the protective bodycover illustrated in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the top surface of thedevice is protected by the film 202 and the bottom surface of the deviceis protected by the film 208. In another embodiment, the top surface isprotected by the film 204 and the bottom surface is covered by the film208.

One difference between the film 202 and the film 204 is that the film204 includes a cutout area 230 (or a plurality of cutout areas) thataccommodates the user interface of the device. When the film 202 isapplied to a device, the user interface is protected by the film 202 andthe ability of the user to interact with the device may not be inhibitedby the presence of the film 202. The film 204, in contrast, provides auser with the option of protecting the screen of the device as well assome of the top surface area of the device without covering the userinterface. If desired, a film matching the cutout area can be appliedspecifically to the user interface.

The device 206 illustrates the protective cover applied to a device suchas illustrated in FIG. 1. Because the screen 205 of the device 206 isflush with the top surface, the film 202 or 204 can be applied withoutcreating an air pocket at the boundary 209. Even in cases where thescreen is slightly inset, a single film can still be used to cover thescreen and other portions of the surface of the device. An air pocket atthe boundary 209 could cause the film 207 to separate from the device206 at some point. If the screen 205 is inset with respect to the topsurface of the device more substantially, then the film 207 may includetwo separate films. The first film would be configured (such as bycutting) to fit the screen 205 while the second film would adhere to thetop surface of the device. The second film would have a cutout area forthe screen of the device. This enables the film to lay flat on thedevice without creating an air pocket at the point where the insetscreen and top surface meet. In one embodiment, the cutout area for adevice with an inset screen can be configured to curve down and provideadditional protection to the walls of the inset area. This can beachieved, for example, by cutting short slits at each corner such thatthe film can fold flatly against the surface of the device as thesurface slopes down to the inset screen. In another embodiment, the filmmay simply be applied over both the screen and the surface. The strengthof the adhesive prevents the film from peeling away.

The film 208 that covers or protects a back side of a device has anoutline that is cut or shaped to adapt to various aspects of the device.The corners 210 of the film 208, for example, are formed or cut suchthat bunching of the film or air pockets are not formed as the film 208is applied to more than one side or surface of the device includingedges and corners. The film is typically flexible such that it can wraparound corners or otherwise adapt to the surface of the device whilestill being flat against the surface of the device.

The side coverage 211 illustrates how the film 208 covers sides of thedevice in addition to covering the back surface. The side 218 is coveredby the film 212. In other words, the edges of the film 212 are preparedto cover the side of the device. Preparing the edges can include cuttingthe edges to account for device ports, surface slopes, surfacediscontinuities, and the like or any combination thereof Thus, the film208 wraps around the edge of the device formed by the back side and theside 218. In this example, the film 208 has been formed or cut such thatthe port 220 remains accessible to a user. Similarly, the ports 222 and224 on the side 216 remain accessible after the film 208 is appliedwhile covering a portion with the film portion 214. The side 226illustrates the coverage of the film 208 on the side 226.

In this example, the film 208 has been designed to wrap around certainedges of the device and cover at least a portion of the sides while thefilm 202 does not wrap around any edges of the device and covers the topsurface of the device. One of skill in the art can appreciate that theone or both of the top and bottom films can wrap around edges of thedevice. Thus, in FIG. 2, the film 202 or 204 is only applied to the topsurface of the device and none of the film 202 or 204 folds over to wraparound and edge of the device and cover a portion of the sides of thedevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates a device 300 having a screen 302 that is slightlyinset from the top surface of the device 300. The device 300 alsoincludes a user interface that includes buttons 304. As a result, thetop surface has discontinuities at the boundary 301 where the housingmeets the screen 302 and at the boundary 305 where the buttons 304extend out from the surface of the device 300. In this example, the filmused to protect the top surface of the device 300 would include at leasttwo pieces. The film 306 is cut to fit the screen 302. When the film 306is applied to the screen 302, no air pockets are formed and the film 306lays flat against the screen 302. The film 308 includes a cutout area310 to account for the inset screen 302 and cutout areas 312 to accountfor the buttons 304. When the film 308 is applied to the device 300, italso lays flat without creating air bubbles or bunching.

One of the advantages of the cutout areas 310 and 312 is that the films306 and 308 can rest flat against the top surface of the device 300.Using two films to protect the top surface prevents air bubbles fromforming at boundaries or other discontinuities. Also, the cutout areas312 ensure that the film portion 308 does not interfere with theoperation of the device 300. Further, the films are transparent and whenapplied as described they are not very noticeable.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a protective film for a device.In this example, the film 402 includes the films 406, 408, and 410. Thefilm 402, when applied to a top surface of a device, is illustrated at411. The film portion 404 covers the screen and some of the rest of thetop surface. The films 408 and 410 cover different parts of the userinterface of the device. As previously described, one or both of thefilms 408 and 410 can be omitted. Further, the films 408 and 410correspond to cutout areas in one embodiment.

In this example, the film portion 404 also covers some of the sides ofthe device by wrapping around the edges. The side coverage 421illustrates the coverage provided by the film 404 (or more generally thefilm 402) and the film 412 or 414 (the films 412 and 414 are fordifferent models of the same device) to the sides of a device. Theportion of the side 420 covered by the film 422 is represented by thefilm 422. Similarly, the portions of the sides 423 and 425 covered bythe film 402 is represented, respectfully, by the film 426 and 430.

The portions of the sides 420, 423, and 425 covered by the film 412 or414 are represented, respectfully, by the films 424, 428, and 432.

In this example, the corners of the device being protected are roundedand may have sloping surfaces. The blow up 418 illustrates a corner of adevice and shows that the film 414 is cut or shaped such that edges andcorners of the device can be substantially covered without bunching orforming air pockets. The film 414 includes a tab 434 that can wraparound a corner of the device regardless of the specific shape of thedevice. The cut 436 enables the film 414 to lay flat on the surface ofthe device as the film wraps around the corner shown in blow up 418. Thecut 438 ensures that the user has access to the port 440.

When a film is designed for a device either as a body cover or for aspecific portion of the device such as the screen, the device is firstexamined to identify locations that may require attention (such asdiscontinuities, corners, edges, user interfaces, screens, slopingsurfaces, rounded edges or corners, etc.). Further, the film can bedesigned with various options in mind. For example, portions of thedevice that correspond to cut out areas in a film can be provided with aseparate film if desired.

For a body cover for a given device, at least two films may be needed,although a single film may be provided as a body cover for some devices.Typically, one film is prepared for a top or front surface of the deviceand a second film is prepared for the bottom or back surface of thedevice. One of the first or second films may also be configured toprotect sides of the device. The specific configuration of the films maydepend on the shape of the device. For example, often the top filmand/or the bottom film will wrap around the sides of the device suchthat coverage or protection is provided to the sides of the device.Alternatively, separate films could be prepared for the sides. Inaddition, the corners or edges of the two films are cut or shaped toaccount for corners, sloping surfaces, etc., and to insure that thefilms lay flat against these types of surfaces of the device whenapplied to the device.

Next, cutout areas are identified and appropriate cuts are made in thefilms. This may include, for example, a cutout area for the userinterface. Note that the film that is cut out can optionally be appliedseparately as a film for the user interface or other aspect of thedevice. In FIG. 2, for example, the user interface can be covered with afilm or not covered with a film. Then, the corners of the films aretypically examined. The corners of the films are cut to ensure that thefilms will lay flat against the device even at the corners as previouslydescribed. This may include forming tabs or making other cuts to accountfor sloping surfaces, three dimensional corners, rounded corners, etc.Also, any ports on the device are considered and the films are cut suchthat the ports remain accessible to the user.

In another embodiment of the invention, the body covering includes asolution that may be used during application of the body covering to adevice. The solution is designed to improve the ease with which the bodycovering is applied as well as improve the adhesion of the body coveringto the device. The solution may be applied to the film prior toapplication. The solution may provide additional time for the user toproperly position the film before the adhesive fully sticks to thedevice. The solution also enables trapped air bubbles to be removed asthe film adheres to the surface of the device. The solution may be, byway of example only, a mixture of soap and water. In effect, the filmdelays the adhesion of the film to the device and improves customersatisfaction by providing a user with more time to properly positioneach film of a body cover on a device.

The film or body cover may be, by way of example only, a thermoplasticelastomer or a urethane plastic film, which combines the mechanical andphysical properties of rubber with the advantages of thermoplasticity.Other examples of the film may include a polyether urethane, a polyesterurethane or an aliphatic urethane.

In one embodiment, the film has properties of rubber and of plastic.With these properties, the film has excellent abrasion resistance.Further, application of the film to a scratched surface may hide thescratches or make the scratches less noticeable.

Embodiments of the film have a memory that enables the film to beelongated and then return to its original shape. The film can be softand malleable, yet have high tensile strength. Examples of the film canhave a hardness that ranges from very soft to stiff, by way of exampleonly from Shore 25A-Shore 75D in a durometer range. Further, the filmhas good flexibility over a wide durometer range. This hardness orsoftness of the film to absorb impact (stretch or deform) and thenreturn to an original shape provides additional protection to aprotected device. Thus, embodiments of the invention relate to filmsthat have both abrasion resistance and impact resistance. The film mayhave a thickness that is on the order of 8 mils. In another example, thefilm may have a thickness that is on the order of 6 mil or on the orderof 6- 8 mil or greater. This thickness may not include the thickness ofthe adhesive that is included with the film. One of skill in the art canappreciate that thinner or thicker films may be used. These propertiesmake the films of the present invention provide excellent protection asa body cover for a device. In some embodiments of the invention, thefilms may not contain plasticizers and are therefore not subject tobrittleness.

Embodiments of the film have elastic properties such that it may stretchor deform when a stress is applied and then return to the original shapewhen the stress is removed. The film can be applied or bonded to adevice surface using an adhesive, by heat bonding, pressure bonding, andthe like or any combination thereof.

FIG. 5 illustrates a body cover for a device 520. The device 520includes a display 502 and a user interface in the form of buttons 510and 512. The cutout areas 502, 508 and 508 may be formed in the film 500to account for the buttons 510 and 512. Thus, the film 500, when appliedto the device 520, covers the top surface of the device including thedisplay 502 without interfering with the user interface. The film mayaccount for speaker openings and the like as well.

FIG. 6 illustrates a film 600 held in a hand 602. The film 600, prior tobeing applied to a device, is flexible or malleable. The film 600 (aswell as other films discussed herein), for example, may have elongationproperties of greater than 400 % and tensile strengths on the order of9200-9600 psi. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to theseproperties, however, and include films with different properties or withdifferent ranges of the same properties. In addition to elongation andtensile strength, the hardness of the film can vary as describedpreviously. Also, the tensile strength and elongation of the film 600may depend on the thickness of the film 600.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a body cover. This exampleillustrates the flexibility of the film in accordance with embodimentsof the invention. In this example, a single film 702 is applied to thedevice 700. The device 700 has a body with a shape that includes roundedsides as well as a display. The film 702 wraps completely around thedevice as a single film. The line 704 identifies where the two ends ofthe film meet, preferably on the back of the device 700. Further, theends of the film 702 may be cut to provide clear visibility to any iconor marking on the device 700.

In this example, the body cover includes at least one film that wrapsaround a device and that adapt to the shape of the surface beingcovered. Thus, the flexibility of the film enables the film to wraparound the device to provide protection to all or most surfaces of thedevice. If desired, the ends of the device 700 may not be covered by thefilm 702 or may be covered by separate films. The surface of the device700 may include a screen as well as other portions of the front surface,the back surface, the sides, and the like or any combination thereof.The film 702 can lay flat against contours of the body surface withoutbunching. The film 702 is substantially transparent etc. The film canoptionally include a cutout area to account for user interface, ports,and the like. The film 702 is a body wrap that covers substantially allof the device's surfaces. In this example, however, the ends of thedevice are not covered. However, the film 702 have taps that fold downover the ends, while accounting for ports etc.

In another embodiment, the display of the device may be slightly inset.In this instance, a single film can be used to cover the display as wellas additional surfaces of the device. The film typically includes astrong adhesive that ensures that the film does not peel away from thescreen. Advantageously, the film also prevents dirt or grime fromaccumulating at the edges of the screen or display

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a body cover for a device suchas a cellular telephone. In this example, the body cover includesmultiple films. The various films are formed or cut specifically forvarious surfaces of the device. For example, the film 812 is applied tothe surface 802. The film 816 is applied to the surface 806. The film832 is applied to the surface 822. The film 818 is applied to thesurface 808. The film 820 is applied to the surface 810. The film 814 isapplied to the display 804.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the films 812, 814, 818, 820, 816, and 832 areselected such that they protect the surfaces of the device withoutinterfering with the operation of the device. The device 801 is aclamshell device, includes a battery cover, and has other features. Thefilms are selected to ensure that the battery can be changed withouthaving to be removed.

The films may also include cutout areas to account for surfaces of thedevice that may not be ideal for adhesion. For instance, the device 801may include a marking that has ridges, an uneven surface, and the like.A corresponding cutout area may be formed in the corresponding film toensure good adhesion of the film to the respective surfaces. Themarkings on the device may therefore not be covered by a film.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A body cover for an electronic device, the covering comprising: afirst film configured to cover a first surface of an electronic device,the first surface having a screen disposed therein, wherein the firstfilm lays flat against the first surface; a second film, physicallyseparate from the first film, configured to cover a second surface ofthe electronic device such that the second film lays flat against thesecond surface, wherein the second film includes edges that wrap aroundand cover portions of one or more sides of the electronic device, theone or more sides connecting the first surface of the device with thesecond surface; and one or more cuts formed in the second film toaccommodate a corner of the electronic device, the one or more cutsformed such that the second film lays flat against the second surface asthe second film approaches the corner of the electronic device; whereinthe first film and the second film do not overlap each other.
 2. Theprotective covering of claim 1, the first film comprising one or morecutout areas, at least one cutout area sized to accommodate a userinterface of the electronic device.
 3. The protective covering of claim1, the edges of the second film including cuts such that one or moreports of the device remain accessible to a user.
 4. The protectivecovering of claim 1, wherein both the first film and the second filmfurther comprise an adhesive that adheres the first film and the secondfilm to the device.
 5. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein theone or more cuts are configured to adapt to at least one of: edges ofthe device; sloping surfaces; ridges; corners; rounded corners;discontinuities in a surface; ports on the device; bulges on a surface;depressions on a surface; or rounded surfaces.
 6. The protectivecovering of claim 1, wherein the first and second film substantiallycover all surfaces of the device including a display of the device. 7.The protective covering of claim 2, further comprising a third filmspecifically shaped for the user interface.
 8. The protective coveringof claim 1, the first film further comprising a cutout area toaccommodate an inset screen.
 9. The protective covering of claim 8,further comprising a third film shaped to substantially cover the insetscreen.
 10. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the firstsurface is a front surface and the second surface is a back surface. 11.A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a firstsurface, a second surface, one or more sides connecting the firstsurface with the second surface, and one or more corners, the coveringcomprising: a first film configured to cover the first surface of theelectronic device so that the first film lays flat against the firstsurface, wherein the first film is transparent throughout so as not toobscure the original look of the first surface; and a second film,physically separate from the first film, configured to cover the secondsurface of the electronic device so that the second film lays flatagainst the second surface, wherein the second film includes edges thatare configured to wrap around and cover portions of one or more of thesides of the electronic device without overlapping with itself or withthe first film; and one or more cuts formed in the second film toaccommodate a corner of the electronic device, the one or more cutsformed such that the second film lays flat against the second surface asthe second film approaches the corner.
 12. A body covering for aportable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, andone or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface,the covering comprising: a first film or first set of films configuredto correspond to the shape and size of the front surface so that whenapplied to the device, the first film or first set of films lays flatagainst the front surface and covers substantially the entire frontsurface of the electronic device, the first film or first set of filmsbeing transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look ofthe front surface of the electronic device; and a second film or secondset of films, physically separate from the first film or first set offilms, configured to correspond to the shape and size of the backsurface and sides so that when applied to the device, the second film orsecond set of films lays flat against the back surface and sides andcovers substantially the entire back surface and sides of the electronicdevice, wherein none of the films overlaps itself or any other film andwherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronicdevice is covered by film.
 13. The body covering as claimed in claim 12,wherein the electronic device has a port and wherein there are cutoutsin a film that would otherwise cover the port so that when the film isapplied to the device, the port is accessible.
 14. The body covering asclaimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has buttons andwherein there are cutouts in a film that would otherwise cover thebuttons.
 15. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein theelectronic device has a corner and wherein there are one or more cutsformed in a film to allow the film to substantially cover the corner ofthe electronic device such that the film lays flat against the corner.16. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronicdevice has a surface that is not flat and wherein a film has one or morecuts formed therein such that the film lays flat against the non-flatsurface.
 17. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the filmfurther comprises an adhesive that adheres the film to the device. 18.The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic devicehas a user interface and wherein there is a separate film that is shapedand sized to cover the user interface.
 19. The body covering as claimedin claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a screen and whereinthere is a separate film that is shaped and sized to cover the screen.20. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein a film configuredto cover the back surface also includes edges that are configured towrap around and cover portions of one or more of the sides of theelectronic device.
 21. A body covering for a portable electronic devicethat has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sidesconnecting the front surface with the back surface, the coveringcomprising: a set of physically separate films configured to correspondto the shape and size of the front surface and back surface so that whenapplied to the device, the films lay flat against the front surface andback surface and cover substantially the entire front surface and backsurface of the electronic device, wherein the portions of the filmsconfigured to cover the front surface are transparent throughout so asnot to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronicdevice, wherein no film overlaps with itself or any other film, andwherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronicdevice is covered by film.
 22. The body covering as claimed in claim 21,wherein the electronic device has a port and wherein there are cutoutsin a film that would otherwise cover the port so that when the film isapplied to the device, the port is accessible.
 23. The body covering asclaimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic device has buttons andwherein there are cutouts in a film that would otherwise cover thebuttons.
 24. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has afront surface, a back surface, and one or more sides connecting thefront surface with the back surface, the covering comprising: a film orset of films configured to correspond to the shape and size of the frontsurface and back surface so that when applied to the device, the film orset of films lays flat against the front surface and back surface andcovers substantially the entire front surface and back surface of theelectronic device, wherein the portions of the film or set of filmsconfigured to cover the front surface are transparent throughout so asnot to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronicdevice, wherein no film overlaps with itself or any other film, andwherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronicdevice is covered by film, wherein the electronic device has a cornerand wherein there are one or more cuts formed in a film to allow thefilm to substantially cover the corner of the electronic device suchthat the film lays flat against the corner.
 25. A body covering for aportable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, andone or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface,the covering comprising: a film or set of films configured to correspondto the shape and size of the front surface and back surface so that whenapplied to the device, the film or set of films lays flat against thefront surface and back surface and covers substantially the entire frontsurface and back surface of the electronic device, wherein the portionsof the film or set of films configured to cover the front surface aretransparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of thefront surface of the electronic device, wherein no film overlaps withitself or any other film, and wherein substantially the entire surfaceof the portable electronic device is covered by film, wherein theelectronic device has a surface that is not flat and wherein a film hasone or more cuts formed therein such that the film lays flat against thenon-flat surface.
 26. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, whereinthe film further comprises an adhesive that adheres the film to thedevice.
 27. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein theelectronic device has a user interface and wherein there is a separatefilm that is shaped and sized to cover the user interface.
 28. The bodycovering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic device has ascreen and wherein there is a separate film that is shaped and sized tocover the screen.
 29. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, whereina film configured to cover the back surface also includes edges that areconfigured to wrap around and cover portions of one or more of the sidesof the electronic device.
 30. The protective covering of claim 1,wherein the electronic device has a corner and wherein there are one ormore cuts formed in a film to allow the film to substantially cover thecorner of the electronic device such that the film lays flat against thecorner.
 31. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein theelectronic device has a corner and one or more cuts are formed in a filmto accommodate the corner, the one or more cuts formed such that thefilm lays flat against the surface of the electronic device as the filmapproaches the corner.
 32. A body covering for a portable electronicdevice that has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sidesconnecting the front surface with the back surface, the coveringcomprising: a film or set of films configured to correspond to the shapeand size of the front surface and back surface so that when applied tothe device, the film or set of films lays flat against the front surfaceand back surface and covers substantially the entire front surface andback surface of the electronic device, wherein the portions of the filmor set of films configured to cover the front surface are transparentthroughout so as not to obscure the original look of the front surfaceof the electronic device, wherein no film overlaps with itself or anyother film, and wherein substantially the entire surface of the portableelectronic device is covered by film, wherein the electronic device hasa corner and one or more cuts are formed in a film to accommodate thecorner, the one or more cuts formed such that the film lays flat againstthe surface of the electronic device as the film approaches the corner.33. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first andsecond films or set of films are smooth as they lay flat against thesurface of the device.
 34. The body covering as claimed in claim 21,wherein the films are smooth as they lay flat against the surface of thedevice.
 35. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein both thefirst and second films or set of films are transparent throughout so asnot to obscure the original look of the surfaces of the electronicdevice.
 36. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the filmsare transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of thesurfaces of the electronic device.
 37. A body covering for a portableelectronic device that has a first surface, a second surface, and one ormore sides connecting the first surface with the second surface, andcorners where the one or more sides meet the second surface, thecovering comprising: a first film configured to substantially cover thefirst surface of the portable electronic device, wherein the first filmlays flat against the first surface and wherein the first film istransparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of thefirst surface; a second film, physically separate from the first film,configured to substantially cover the second surface of the electronicdevice such that the second film lays flat against the second surface,wherein the second film includes edges that wrap around and coverportions of one or more of the sides of the electronic device; and oneor more cuts formed in the second film to accommodate the corners of theelectronic device, the one or more cuts formed such that the second filmlays flat against the second surface as the second film approaches thecorners of the electronic device and such that the second film coversboth the second surface and portions of at least two of the one or moresides at each of the corners; wherein the first film and the second filmdo not overlap each other.